Forbush said police are pursuing a criminal investigation against Edward Tache, who resigned as treasurer on Jan. 12.

Forbush declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing the nature of the ongoing investigation. However, according to a story first reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, NSBA board members discovered the alleged misuse after a financial review uncovered a number of suspicious transactions. These allegedly included purchases of airline tickets and jewelry as well as smaller expenditures for food and haircuts.

"Our primary objective is to get the money back," Forbush said on Thursday.

The NBSA recently received a letter from Tache's lawyer, Jon L. Revelli. While Forbush declined to share the contents of this letter, the Telegram story quoted a portion which signaled Tache's willingness to return the money.

"He is cooperating with us," Forbush said of Tache.

In the letter, Revelli wrote that Tache has prepared a $65,000 check to reimburse the NBSA.

Forbush said on Thursday that, based on a preliminary review, the amount missing could be as high as $75,000.